Is EU heading Michael Howard's way?

Tuesday 18 February 2014 15:18 BST

The respected Political Betting website is urging followers to put a few quid on Michael Howard’s chances of becoming the UK’s next EU Commissioner.

The post becomes vacant this year and it is in the PM’s gift. Tory insiders believe Lord Howard might have overtaken Andrew Mitchell and Andrew Lansley in the running, the logic being that by appointing someone who is no longer an MP the Government can avoid a nerve-racking by-election.

But is there another reason?

“Cameron owes Howard big time,” whispers a Tory mole. “He helped clear the way for Cameron to become leader and now spends his time telling off independent-minded Tories.”